You Don’t Have to Be a Dancer to Create Compelling Performance

For the creative King who feels something stirring—but isn’t sure how to turn it into movement onstage.

Maybe this sounds familiar:

You’ve got a song in mind. A persona that’s starting to take shape. You can feel there’s a solo in there somewhere—but then your brain interrupts with:

“I’m not a dancer.”

“I don’t know how to choreograph.”

“What if it looks awkward?”

“Where would I even start?”

Here’s the truth I want you to know:

You do not need to be a trained dancer to come up with a compelling performance.

You don’t need eight counts, jazz hands, or a perfect pivot turn.

You just need a story—and the courage to tell it with your body.

What is choreography, really?

At its core, choreography is storytelling through movement.

It’s not about tricks. It’s about translation.

You’re taking a moment—an emotion, a mood, a fantasy—and turning it into something an audience can feel with you.

That shoulder drop? A rejection.

That slow walk forward? Confidence claiming its place.

That pause, hand to heart? Vulnerability revealed.

Choreography starts not with steps, but with feeling.

Start with what you know—your instinct.

You already move through the world in your body. That means you already have a great place to begin.

Here’s how to create your first draft of a routine, no dance experience required:

🧭 Step 1: Choose the story you want to tell

Ask yourself:

• What’s the emotional arc of this routine?
  
  
• Who is my King becoming in this song?
  
  
• What’s the one feeling I want the audience to walk away with?
  
  

Even something as simple as “longing to be seen” can become a powerful solo when you build from there.

🎧 Step 2: Listen to your song (again and again)

Play it in your headphones. In the kitchen. On a walk.

Let your body react naturally. Notice:

• When do you nod?
  
  
• When do your arms move?
  
  
• When does your breath catch?
  
  

Start marking those moments. You don’t need to know what the movement is yet—just when and where it wants to happen.

🎭 Step 3: Match movement to feeling

Now try shaping some of those instinctual responses into repeatable choices.

Song hits a beat drop? Maybe that’s where your jacket comes off.

There’s a pause? Maybe you freeze and hold eye contact.

The chorus explodes? Maybe you explode with it—legs wide, arms out, taking up space.

Let the emotion guide your movement, not the other way around.

📹 Step 4: Record and review (with love)

Film yourself trying different sections. You don’t need to share it with anyone.

Watch it back like you’re your own creative collaborator. Not to judge—just to observe:

• What moments feel true?
  
  
• What looks awkward (and could be simplified)?
  
  
• What surprised you?
  
  

Trust what you see and feel. That’s your compass.

🎨 Step 5: Layer it with style

Costume. Props. Facial expression. Lip sync. Stillness. Intention.

These are all part of your choreography too. A nod can be more powerful than a pirouette. A wink can be your signature.

Let your King guide what needs to be added—not what you think should be.

You’re allowed to keep it simple.

One of the most common mistakes I see from emerging performers is trying to do too much.

Start small. Keep it honest. Let one movement land fully before you add five more.

You don’t need a “perfect routine.”

You need a presence. A point of view.

The rest can be built, refined, and evolved from there.

Real Kings, real beginnings

At Kings of Joy, I’ve watched so many Gold Stars and All Stars go from “I don’t move like a performer” to “I feel like I belong on this stage.”

Not because they suddenly learned how to dance. But because they learned how to listen to their own body—and trust what it had to say.

That’s where artistry lives.

The Crown is Calling

If you’re already dreaming of what’s next—even if it’s a quiet dream, not ready to be spoken aloud—I see you.

You don’t need to be a dancer.

You just need a moment that moves you, a body that wants to speak, and a willingness to begin.

And if you’re craving more than the stage—if you want deeper creative practice, global community, and support to bring your unique Drag King vision to life—there’s something on the horizon just for you.

👑 Crown Your King is my next offering for Kings like you: Artistic, curious, and ready to go beyond what you’ve already done. It’s not open yet, but the path has already begun.

You can sign up for the Crown Your King Path at kingsofjoy.com and be the first to hear when doors open.

This isn’t just about performing. It’s about becoming more of who you are—through artistry, embodiment, and joyful rebellion.

And when you’re ready, I’ll be here.

Xx

Danica Lani

The King Coach

Hello handsome, 🌈 I'm Danica Lani, also known as The King Coach. I'm here to empower you in your exploration of gender, sexuality, and performance. I have proudly mentored and choreographed 138 first-time Drag Kings since December 2020. Welcome to the joyous community of Kings of Joy, where we uplift and celebrate each other every step of the way! 🎉🤩 Let's embark on this Drag King journey together! 🤗💖 #KingsOfJoy

📸 Sarah Malone - Bad Boy Cameo